Missed tackles plague Colorado State football in loss to San Jose State

Rams were looking to make highlight hits instead of wrapping up

By Mike Brohard Sports Editor

Posted:
10/13/2013 07:51:53 PM MDT

San Jose State wide receiver Kyle Nunn, 19, spins out of tackles from Colorado State cornerback Shaq Bell, 3, linebacker Max Morgan, 40, and defensive lineman Terry Jackson, 93, during the third quarter of CSU's loss to San Jose State on Saturday.
(
Timothy Hurst
)

FORT COLLINS -- Being in place to make the stop is the first step. For a good portion of Saturday's Mountain West opener at home against San Jose State, the Rams forgot to move to Step 2.

Making the tackle.

Colorado State defenders were looking to make hits that made SportsCenter highlights. But without wrapping up, the more impressive film was Spartans running through contact and making the big plays that led to a 34-27 victory at Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium.

It hasn't been a big problem for the Rams all season, and it was virtually the same group on the field, with the exception of defensive tackle Calvin Tonga, who coach Jim McElwain said he was trying to help him through some personal issues. Coming out of the bye week it was a weakness, and McElwain was confused.

"We tackled pretty well during the off week and tackled well on Wednesday," he said after his team fell to 2-4 on the season. "For whatever reason we need to bring our feet, and ducked our heads and threw some whiffs. We'll get that corrected."

They'll need to. On the winning touchdown, a 62-yard reception by Tyler Winston off a wide receiver screen to the outside, some Rams were sealed off. Others took bad pursuit angles and others dove wildly and came up empty.

San Jose State finished with 608 yards of total offense in the game. There were quick strikes and two long drives (the Rams allowed the Spartans to convert 11 of 18 third-down plays) and running back Jarrod Lawson ran for 98 yards, must of it after first contact.

Advertisement

If the Rams' defense wants to get back on track, they know they'll have to get a wrap on the issue, so to speak.

"We thought we had it, or we knew we had it, and he was just a great runner," safety Trent Matthews said. "I give credit to him. He ran through tackles when we were supposed to stop him at two yards he gained another three. That happens in football. We're going to have to watch film next week, run through our hits, wrap up and hopefully it won't happen again."

The performance overall in the game ran counter to what McElwain believed was building in the program, and he looked distraught after the contest. Now, the team is left to regroup once again.

"I still believe in them, don't get me wrong at all," he said. "I'm disappointed for them. I know about the work that they put in and the work that we are going to continue to put in as we move forward. It's hard to see those faces. Yet if you let it keep you down, it doesn't do you any good. We'll get the corrections on it, come out to practice, and get ready to go up and play for the Bronze Boot."

Which is just one more thing for the Rams to add to the list of desired changes. Wyoming has won the Boot the past four seasons, and the Rams travel to Laramie for the second consecutive season on Saturday (Noon).